Comments

Comments on Primary Papers and News

The paper by Doglio et al. has important implications for both the biological functions of the presenilin (PS) complex and the mechanisms by which PS FAD mutations promote neurodegeneration and other structural abnormalities in AD. The paper verifies previous results that presenilins regulate the PI3K/Akt cell survival pathway through a mechanism that is independent of the γ-secretase activity (Baki et al., 2004). This report is also consistent with recent evidence that FAD mutations may promote cell death and AD-related tau overphosphorylation through a mechanism that involves loss of presenilin function in the PI3K/Akt/GSK3 and other cell signaling pathways (Baki et al., 2004; Kang et al., 2005). This last concept is in contrast to the widely held view that FAD mutations cause a gain of presenilin γ-secretase function thus increasing production of neurotoxic species like Aβ1-42 (see, however, ARF ongoing discussion). The data on Aph-1/aPKC/PAR-1 indicate a new pathway that may also contribute to tau phosphorylation. Clearly, new exciting data emerging in the last two years from several laboratories promote novel concepts not only for the biological functions of PS1, but also for the mechanisms by which presenilin FAD mutations induce the specific neuropathology associated with AD.

This is a very interesting paper, which further extends our understanding about PS1-induced toxic gain of function(s). Indeed, increased GSK3 activation (through serine 9 dephosphorylation) has previously been reported in PS1 animal models (Pigino et al.) and cultured neuronal cells (Takashima et al., Irving et al.). However, these studies did not address the role of other γ-secretase proteins such as Nicastrin, and Aph-1, an issue nicely addressed by the studies in Doglio et al. What remains controversial from these and similar studies is the role of tau protein within this mechanism. Although tau is clearly affected as a downstream component in the PS1-GSK3 pathway, it is possible that tau represents one of many more GSK3 targets. This and other studies need to consider the possibility that deregulation of well-characterized GSK3 substrates other than tau (i.e., kinesin-1, CRMP-2, etc.) might be critical components leading to selective neuronal toxicity.

Note by Alzforum Editor: This paper has been retracted. According to the authors, several of the figures were found to contain serious inaccuracies and no longer support the major conclusions of the paper. Click on retraction page links for complete author statement.

I am saddened and disappointed that irregularities in the figures of this manuscript led to the retraction of this paper. Accordingly, I formally retract my prior commentary discussing this study. We are all reminded to apply the greatest care and integrity to our research.